A view from Central Falls: A sunny-side up outlook for resurgent mill city

Sparky’s Restaurant and Mayor James Diossa share much in common.

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By
Alisha A. Pina
Posted Mar. 22, 2014 @ 8:58 pm

CENTRAL FALLS — Sparky’s Restaurant and Mayor James Diossa share much in common.

What’s obvious is that the hot-spot eatery and 28-year-old leader both reside in Central Falls — the state’s smallest city spanning less than 1.3 square miles. Immediately north of Pawtucket, it takes its name from a waterfall on the Blackstone River and was once a part of Smithfield and Lincoln.

“It’s a cool city on the rebound,” Diossa said proudly, while acknowledging that the city, which has emerged from federal bankruptcy and state receivership, remains vulnerable. “We’re battling a stigma that the city is dangerous, drug-infested and a lost cause, but what you will see in Central Falls is everyone is welcoming, close-knit and ready for success.”

Its motto is a “city with a bright future.”

Any city colloquially known as Chocolateville, as it was in the 18th century, is all right in my book. A park on the banks of the Blackstone is called Chocolate Mill Overlook, a nod to the city’s manufacturing past with one of North America’s earliest water-powered chocolate mills: the William Wheat Chocolate Mill.

The fat kid in me was disappointed not to find the river flowing with chocolate milk, or a confectionary treat next to each plant and bench. Can we say yummy?

But I digress…

As for Sparky’s and Diossa’s similarities: they’re both laid back, love dogs and value a good sense of humor.

A sign near the cash register in the 60-year-old restaurant on Dexter Street reads, “You don’t have to be crazy to work here, we’ll train you.” It also has a frying pan as a clock, an entryway of hanging plants and cacti, and a magically delicious egg-white and veggie-filled omelet called the “garbage.”

Dalmatian trinkets and art — resembling Sparky the Fire Dog, the longtime mascot of the National Fire Prevention Association — is its primary decorating theme. Third-generation owner John Chippis says the first spotted dog figurine above the grill at the restaurant’s old location down the road was destroyed — ironically — in a fire.

“I must have 500 Sparky dogs now,” Chippis says.

Diossa has a dog, Ella, but she’s a golden retriever. Without hesitation, the mayor joked about being single and his inability to cook well, or at all. In between bites and interruptions from residents, he also chatted about his siblings, his old desire to be a police officer, his love of soccer and hanging out as a Central Falls youngster at the top of the Cogswell Tower in Jenks Park.

He’s a Sparky’s regular for breakfast. On this day with me, server Patty Tait brought the Latino mayor his usual — a ham and bubbling cheese (this time with egg) sandwich on an English muffin and some juice.

“My grandfather used to take me here,” Diossa says, recalling his first memory of Sparky’s. “I loved the pancakes … with lots of syrup.”

He said the restaurant is a great place to show off Central Falls, but rattled off a half-dozen more restaurants that make the city proud. Then he talked about its incredible diversity, rising schools and plans for growth.

“I am very humbled to be leading this city, especially coming out of bankruptcy,” he said.

When asked if being younger than 30 is a hindrance, Diossa said people have questioned if “‘this young kid could handle leading this city,’ but I don’t see it as pressure. I see it as a challenge that I am up for. Age ain’t nothing but a number, and I have surrounded myself with good people.”